Carlo Ancelotti assessing emergency defence plan as injuries mount up

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·29 September 2023

Carlo Ancelotti assessing emergency defence plan as injuries mount up

Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti could be forced to make a bold move to cover for his defensive injuries.

Los Blancos returned to winning ways with a 2-0 midweek La Liga win over Las Palmas in Madrid, but it came at a cost for Ancelotti.

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With Brazilian star Eder Militao ruled out for the remainder of the season, David Alaba was forced off before half time, with Antonio Rudiger playing through the pain barrier in the final stages.

Alaba looks certain to miss the weekend trip to league leaders Girona with Rudiger’s recovery looking more positive despite missing training ahead of the game.

If both players miss out, Ancelotti will be required to make major changes, with club captain Nacho Fernandez his only fit senior centre back.

With a Champions League trip to Napoli on the horizon, Ancelotti must assess Rudiger’s ability to play three games in quick succession, and he could draft either Ferland Mendy or Aurelien Tchouameni in as cover, as per reports from Diario AS.

Mendy started at left back against Las Palmas, but could move inside, to be replaced by Fran Garcia, with Tchouameni an option to move back, as Jude Bellingham returns to the starting XI.

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Carlo Ancelotti assessing emergency defence plan as injuries mount up | OneFootball

Carlo Ancelotti assessing emergency defence plan as injuries mount up

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